October Reflections + 5 Things
I read something on Instagram about how we don’t get many Octobers and therefore should be extra with them—decorations, traditions, all the things. That really spoke to me and maybe justified all the pumpkin patches and activities I try to squeeze in each October. There are two pumpkin patches that we’ve found over the years that I’ve loved going back to. In our area there are so many “pumpkin patches” that are really just parking lots or open spaces with blowup decorations, rides for kids and pumpkins trucked in for who knows where. They’re always crowded, often overpriced and somehow always feel a million degrees hotter, detracting even further from the autumn, New England pumpkin vision I have in my head. Over the years I’ve found two spots we like to return to that give me more of what I’m looking for. Patchen Christmas Tree farm in Los Gatos and a small family “farm” and fruitstand that sets up a beautiful display of pumpkins in a small area on their property. I love that they’re both family-owned and the attention to detail at both locations shows how much thought, love and care goes into their displays. The fruitstand is pretty small, but open during the week which always guarantees you can get a quiet moment there. For Levi’s age it’s been perfect, he doesn’t need a huge space, he’s happy to explore all the different kinds of pumpkins and spend the morning with his mama. This year he specifically requested it to be “just mama and Levi” and my heart exploded a little.
This week we’re going to continue with the October magic. The plan is to make these monster cookies with Levi, finish up my Halloween costume, go to a Halloween themed “boo party” at Levi’s school for an evening of crafting with some of the other moms and watch Hocus Pocus (an October must in my book!).
5 Things I’m Loving Right Now
I’m guilty of defaulting to the traditional fall and winter color palette, but love love love this unexpected color combo.
I didn’t realize this is by the author of The Gruffalo which I also love, but it’s such a fun Halloween book. We’re just starting to get into some longer stories at bedtime and I’m here for it. I love children’s books and we’re due for a big refresh.
I know, I know it’s early, but also it’s not! Everything sells out so you’re sort of forced to start thinking about holiday in October (or earlier). This sweater is so sweet, I couldn’t pass it up. It’s also currently on sale!
Last year I shared these adorable skeleton earrings that I am very excited to pull out this season again, but I’m SO tempted to also get these pearl ghosts! Such a fun way to add a little holiday fun into your wardrobe, especially with all the kids activities this month!
I love fair isle print, it’s so classic and timeless. I love the shades of this pink and cinnamon cardigan because you can really play it up in fall with autumnal colors, but then continue to wear it well after the holiday season, when it’s grey and dreary out, but you’ve put all your Christmas sweaters away and need to switch up your color palettes.